Easy Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Oh-So-Good!

Is there anything more absolutely divine than the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through your house? Now imagine that bread is loaded with juicy blueberries and bright, zesty lemon that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. We’re talking about the kind of baking magic that has your neighbors mysteriously finding excuses to drop by right around the time you pull it from the oven.

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Here’s what gets me fired up about this particular recipe: most lemon blueberry breads are either so lemony they make your face pucker, or so bland that you might as well be eating sweet cardboard with fruit chunks. Then there’s the dreaded sinking blueberry situation – you know, when all your beautiful berries end up in a sad pile at the bottom of the loaf like they’re trying to escape.

But when you nail the perfect balance? When those blueberries stay suspended throughout the tender, moist crumb, and that lemon flavor is bright and cheerful without being aggressive? That’s when you’ve got something truly spectacular on your hands. This isn’t just bread – it’s like sunshine and summer captured in loaf form, ready to brighten up any morning, afternoon, or let’s be honest, late-night snack session.

What makes this lemon blueberry bread absolutely irresistible is how it manages to be both comforting and refreshing at the same time. The tender, cake-like texture gives you that cozy, homemade feeling, while the bright lemon and burst-in-your-mouth blueberries keep things light and exciting. It’s the kind of versatile treat that works just as well with your morning coffee as it does as an elegant dessert at a dinner party.

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Perfect Pairing

• This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.

Occasions to Serve

• Perfect for brunch gatherings.
• Great as a gift for friends or family.
• Ideal for picnics or casual get-togethers.

Recipe Overview

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 180 per slice

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients List

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• For the Bread:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if necessary)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth then drizzle over the cooled bread.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor, but if using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
• For added flavor, consider adding some poppy seeds to the batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dry Bread: This can occur if the bread is overbaked. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Dense Texture: Overmixing the batter can lead to density. Mix until just combined.
• Too Sweet: Adjust the sugar according to your taste, or use less sugar if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries? Yes, raspberries or chopped strawberries would also work well.
2. How should I store the bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the lemon blueberry bread? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
4. Can I add nuts to this recipe? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
5. What can I serve it with? It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream.

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There’s something absolutely magical about creating something this beautiful and delicious in your own kitchen. This lemon blueberry bread isn’t just a recipe – it’s your ticket to becoming the person everyone hopes will show up to the potluck, the friend who always has something amazing cooling on the counter, and the home baker who makes it look effortless.

The best part about mastering this recipe is how it opens up a whole world of quick bread possibilities. Once you understand the basic technique – the gentle mixing, the proper berry preparation, the right baking cues – you can experiment with different fruits, add nuts, or play around with other citrus flavors. But honestly, this classic combination is so perfect that you might never want to change a thing.

What makes this bread truly special is how it bridges the gap between everyday comfort and special occasion elegance. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight when you’re craving something homemade, but impressive enough to serve at your fanciest brunch gathering. That’s the kind of versatile recipe that earns its place in your permanent collection.

Remember, baking is as much about the joy of the process as it is about the final result. There’s something deeply satisfying about measuring, mixing, and creating something that fills your home with incredible aromas and brings people together. This lemon blueberry bread delivers all of that in the most delicious way possible.

So go ahead and treat yourself to the simple pleasure of homemade bread. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be impressed, and you’ll have discovered your new go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for something special. After all, life’s too short for store-bought when homemade tastes this incredible.

Have you tried this recipe yet? I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you discovered! Share your photos and tips in the comments below – there’s nothing quite like a community of bakers inspiring each other to create something wonderful. Happy baking!